1, 314 drug reformists graduated in Pampanga

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO — At least 1, 314 drug surrenderers have graduated recently under the “Dalan Ning Pamagbayu” (Road to Change) program of the provincial government.

Abel Lingat, chief of police community relations at the provincial police office, said the graduated reformists belonged to the 22, 813 drug users/pushers who surrendered to local authorities last July 2016 to May 8, 2017.

He said the reformists or enrollees underwent rigorous training, treatment and rehabilitation before they were given certificates of completion by the provincial police office through the Technical Education and Skills Development (TESDA).

“There are many opportunities that await the graduate reformists. They can now use the certificate from TESDA to apply for jobs,’’ according to Lingat.

Lingat said the provincial Capitol, with the help of the local government units conducted intelligence monitoring to instantly determine the reformists, and random drug testing on the permission of the enrollees to ensure they are no longer using illegal drugs.

Lingat also disclosed that Gov. Lilia Pineda has expressed her intent to provide employment and livelihood to the graduated reformists, especially those who showed true diligence during the skills training.

“Road to Change” is a project of the Pampanga provincial government that supports the mandate of President Rodrigo Duterte to curb illegal drug use in the country and help users/pushers to start a new life.

The program was introduced by Vice Gov. Dennis “Delta” Pineda after more than 10, 000 drug suspects voluntarily surrendered to police and local authorities last July 2016.